Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

What is Zecuity, and how does it work?

Sumatriptan iontophoretic transdermal system (Zecuity) is anti-migraine drug that is delivered
through the skin or transdermally. It is a serotonin (5HT) 1b/1d receptor
agonist that is used for the acute treatment of
migraine headaches in adults.

Zecuity contains the drug, sumatriptan, which has been previously available
as tablets, injections, and nasal spray. As the exact cause of migraine
headaches
remains unclear, the mechanism by which sumatriptan helps to this type of
headache is not well understood. However, it is thought that
sumatriptan helps to alleviate migraine pain by decreasing the dilation of blood
vessels in the brain and inhibiting the release of inflammatory chemicals in the
brain. This drug is designed to deliver sumatriptan through the skin with
application of a battery operated device on the upper arm or thigh of the
patient.

This drug was
approved by the FDA in January, 2013.

What brand names are available for sumatriptan iontophoretic patch?

Zecuity is the brand name for sumatriptan iontophoretic transdermal system available in the US.

Is Zecuity available as a generic drug?

No, this drug is not available as a generic.

Do I need a prescription for Zecuity?

Yes, a prescription is required for this drug.

What are the uses for Zecuity?

Zecuity is used for the acute treatment of
migraine headaches
with or without aura in adults. It should not be used to prevent
migraine headaches, and should be reserved for use in patients previously diagnosed with
migraines.

What is the dosage for Zecuity?

The patch delivers sumatriptan, a commonly used medication for
migraine through a transdermal system in which the drug is absorbed through the
skin.

Each patch delivers 6.5 mg of medication over four hours by using a low
electrical current (iontophoresis) and is powered by two coin cell lithium
batteries.

Patients may use up to 2 patches in 24 hours, and the second patch should not
be used any sooner than 2 hours after the activation of the 1st. Patients should
only use four patches per month.

Patches can be applied to the upper arm or thigh of the patient.

The patches are about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide and are to be worn only
on unbroken skin and to an area relatively free of hair.

Once applied the patch must be activated by pushing a button to turn on the
device within 15 minutes.

A red light indicates that the patch is on and is delivering medication
to the patient.

The red light turns off when dosing is complete and patients may then remove
the patch.

Used patches must be folded and discarded in accordance with state and local
regulations as patches contain lithium-manganese dioxide.

Which drugs or supplements interact with Zecuity?

Zecuity should not be used in combination or within 24 hours of
ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medications (like dihydroergotamine or
methysergide). Concomitant use has been reported to cause prolonged or additive
vasospastic reactions.

Use of this drug with medications that increase serotonin levels may increase
the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious disorder that may cause
symptoms such as:

A class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MOAIs
doubles blood levels of Zecuity. Due to the risk of side effects, use of this
drug
with MOAIs is contraindicated. Examples of MOAIs include:

Is Zecuity safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Use of this drug has not been adequately evaluated in
pregnant
women. Due to the lack of conclusive safety data, this drug should be used in
pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the
fetus. Sumatriptan iontophoretic transdermal system is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category C (risk not ruled
out).

It is not known if this drug is excreted in breast milk
following transdermal administration. Due to the lack of safety data, use in
nursing mothers should be avoided if possible.

What else should I know about Zecuity?

What preparations of Zecuity are available?

This drug is available as an iontophoretic transdermal system
that uses a mild electrical current to deliver the drug sumatriptan through the
skin. Upon application, it delivers 6.5 mg of sumatriptan over 4 hours.

How should I keep Zecuity stored?

This drug should be stored at room temperature, between 15 C to 30 C
(59 F to 86 F).